The year 2022 is marked by transitions—from the national elections to our collective movement towards this new state of normal following the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the rest of the nation, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) was no stranger to meaningful change. This year, the country’s independent national human rights institution welcomed the new members of its 6th Commission en banc: Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc and Commissioner Beda A. Epres.
What remained constant amid all these developments is the Commission’s commitment to its mandate to protect and promote the human rights and dignity of all; prevent human rights violations against those on the margins of society; and continue to be a proponent of a human rights-based approach in all government policies and actions.
More than bearing witness to the struggles of the most marginalised, CHR sought to seek truth and demand accountability for victims whose inherent freedoms were abused or disregarded.
Along the way, CHR has found strength and support from various communities online and offline who have never wavered in speaking truth to power. We recognise and give our utmost gratitude to human rights advocates across different sectors, the media, and the international human rights community who remained steadfast in embodying ideals for the common good. In particular, the distinct progress in the human rights discourse in the country is all thanks to your contributions. This 2023, CHR looks forward to your renewed vigor as we continue to stand up for human rights. May many more follow suit and feel empowered to exercise their right to expression and assembly in the interest of upholding social justice and democracy.
The new year also yields the Commission with hope towards lasting justice and peace for all. In this regard, we call on the government to fulfill their international and constitutional human rights obligations through the pursuit of transitional justice and provision of reparations for all human rights abuses. We underscore that true unity and peace may only be realised when impunity, tyranny, and violence ceases to exist.
Equally important in these aspirations are the duties we must fulfill as citizens in order to respect and protect one another. May we be reminded that human rights lie at the core of our human dignity. Our liberties and freedoms are what makes us human; and a just and humane society is where equality and diversity persists.
As we hope for the completion of the sixth Commission, CHR vows to build on the gains that the human rights movement have had accomplished in the past. We shall take on every opportunity in the present and the future to exemplify and embody our mantra, “CHR ng Lahat. Naglilingkod maging sino ka man.”
From your Commission on Human Rights, may 2023 be a year of love, good tidings, and cheer for every Filipino here and abroad. Happy New Year to all!